Dash mock up - input needed (1 Viewer)

[nicholastheczar]

I have decided that I want to put in a custom dash piece to accept a few more gauges, switches, and buttons. I plan on going with the same lines as the glove box door and the instrument cluster have and will have it cut out of 1/8" either steel and have it painted or aluminum to match my after market gauge cluster. I whipped up a quick sketch as to what it might look like. I'd like some input on what others would put in a new dash group. I wanted to add a trans temp gauge for my 700R4, Voltmeter, and air pressure gauge for when I add on board air (eventually). These will be angled towards the drivers seat using autometers angled holders. I'm sure I've forgot something. To give you some specs on what I have already:

• Flaming River tilt column w/ hazards and blinker on column
• Ignition is to the left of the steering column
• Wipers are to the left of the steering column
• Left turn signal to the left of steering column (obviously )

Guage cluster has:

• Tach
• Speedo
• Oil Pressure
• Engine Temp
• Fuel
• High Beam Indicator

Take a look at it and let me know what you would change, add, move, etc.

Nick

 

[splib]

Interior light. Fan sw. Heater valve.

 

[chicago]

Soooo, this is gonna fit IN BETWEEN the stock gauge cluster and the glove box?
That looks FRIGGIN AWESOME IMO.
What are you gonna do with the stock cluster if so.

Im keeping an eye out for gauge installs as well for my build.
Where are you sourcing those dash lights pictured from?
Those are pretty cool.

Do you need a check engine light, or 4WD indicator or anything like that?

 

[77cruiser77]

you should also keep in mind you got room to add a gauge and or a few switches to the left of the gauge cluster where the original headlight pull knob is. could help with symmetry

 

[rusty_tlc]

1/8 is pretty thick, I think 16 or 18 GA would be a lot easier to fab and would be plenty strong.
I like the layout though.
You might want to look at this site, OTRATTW, they have a s*** pot of the Couture switches, even one with the correct marking for a winch control.

 

[edin351]

That looks FRIGGIN AWESOME IMO.

x2 good work

 

[nicholastheczar]

Interior light. Fan sw. Heater valve.

Thanks, I'll add those. The heater valve is probably going to be moved to under neath the dash since it will have to be a pull type.

Soooo, this is gonna fit IN BETWEEN the stock gauge cluster and the glove box?
That looks FRIGGIN AWESOME IMO.
What are you gonna do with the stock cluster if so.

Im keeping an eye out for gauge installs as well for my build.
Where are you sourcing those dash lights pictured from?
Those are pretty cool.

Do you need a check engine light, or 4WD indicator or anything like that?

Thanks! Yup, going in between the two. I plan on using my stock gauge cluster, old emblems, things I've found in the cruiser during the restomod (e.g. Old indian arrowhead), and a few other things and get them build a shadowbox with all the stuff in it. I thought it would be cool as a way to remember the build especially w/ the stock gauge cluster with the original mileage.

Those dash lights I found at keepitcleanwiring.com. They are kinda pricey though so thats why I'm not using a bunch of them. Just the main buttons that will get used more than the rocker switches.
Keep It Clean Wiring :: 19mm Momentary Billet Buttons™ w/ LED White Ring

you should also keep in mind you got room to add a gauge and or a few switches to the left of the gauge cluster where the original headlight pull knob is. could help with symmetry

What additional gauge could I use? Any recommendations? Nitrous Boost? For when I feel like doing some Toyko Drifting!!!

Nick

 

[D'Animal]

Jim Dickey sells a Gauge Cluster Blank that fits into your existing gauge cluster hole.

No need to chop up the dash.

Mr QTipp has one in his rig.

 

[77cruiser77]

what other gauges? well if you wanted to fill a hole I've always wanted a thermometer for knowing when black ice is gonna be a risk and they are just handy. in addition a really enjoy having an analog clock in the cruiser to see how late I'm running

 

[77cruiser77]

another cool one I thought would be neat to have is an altimeter

 

[nicholastheczar]

Jim Dickey sells a Gauge Cluster Blank that fits into your existing gauge cluster hole.

No need to chop up the dash.

Mr QTipp has one in his rig.

I already have a cluster blank that I have loaded w/ autometer ultra lite guages
Speedo, Tach, Water Temp, Oil Press, Fuel

I want to add more useability to the rest of the dash but still stay with the 40 lines.

what other gauges? well if you wanted to fill a hole I've always wanted a thermometer for knowing when black ice is gonna be a risk and they are just handy. in addition a really enjoy having an analog clock in the cruiser to see how late I'm running

Oh, I like the clock idea. I found this which matches my gauges ....
Auto Meter 4385 - Auto Meter Ultra-Lite Analog Gauges - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[fieldsken1]

heres what i did. maybe now that i see those rockers for the lights maybe i might redo instead of toggles

 

[77cruiser77]

That clock isn't bad but I like this one more myself

 

[77cruiser77]

5-day Instrument Panel Clock 127CS of Russian Tank on eBay.ca (item 390168095758 end time 17-Mar-10 14:19:27 EDT)

oops forgot the link

 

[D'Animal]

I really like your idea.

One thing I did on one of my rigs that I regret is putting the locker and air compressor switches in the middle of the dash.

I have 4/5 point harnesses and when I need my locker engaged, I'm generally strapped in and cannot reach the dang switch.

I now mount them over by the factory headlight switch.

Learn from my mistakes. LOL

 

[nicholastheczar]

Thats a good point. I've got 4 point harnesses on my corbeau seats. I may have to figure that into my design. I'm also thinking about putting a CB radio into my design underneath my rocker switches

I really like your idea.

One thing I did on one of my rigs that I regret is putting the locker and air compressor switches in the middle of the dash.

I have 4/5 point harnesses and when I need my locker engaged, I'm generally strapped in and cannot reach the dang switch.

I now mount them over by the factory headlight switch.

Learn from my mistakes. LOL

 

[nicholastheczar]

Here's where I am now. I may move the locker switches to the face of my tuffy console but still leave 6 rocker switches on the dash.

 

[brooklyn]

Like the Clock Idea

Like the addition of the clock.

Curious how you plan on cutting out the metal and what short of bracket you plan to install to hold it in place.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I would not move the locker switches so far away from the steering column - I mounted them under the dash on the left of the steering column

but that's just me - I wanted them close and to be away from any passengers

 

[dargreg]

Just curious,does your volt meter indicate volts ? if so how many are you running the gauge goes to 150 .Or is it indicating Amps? Like the looks regardless.